Guardiola breaks silence over Messi’s failed move to Manchester City

CAIRO-18 September 2020: Manchester City Spanish manager Pep Guardiola commented on Lionel Messi’s failed move to the Citizens.

 

The Argentine was linked with a move to Manchester City after he handed a request to Barcelona that he wants to end his contract with the club, following Barcelona’s 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. 

 

"I don’t need to explain anything. Leo explained it quite well I think and I don’t have anything to add. We don’t have anything more to add. He is a football player for FC Barcelona - the club I love." Guardiola said.

 

Barcelona board forced Messi to stay as they refused to negotiate with clubs who had interest in him, clarifying that Messi can leave the club only if his €700 million release clause is met. 

 

Asked about the possibility of signing Lionel Messi for free next summer, Guardiola said "I don’t know, it’s a question for Leo Messi, I cannot talk about the intentions for other people."

 

Messi and Guardiola have enjoyed a successful partnership when the Catalan manager was in charge of Barcelona between 2008 and 2012.